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amendment requires changes to Chapter 18.84 (Site, Yard, Bulk, Usable Open Space and Landscaping Regulations), and Chapter 18.106 (Second Units). Program 6.3 of the housing element specifically suggests consideration of allowing second units without the administrative design review process in new single - family developments. Currently, a proposed new single - family subdivision requires design review of the proposed dwellings. If second units are proposed as a part of the development, and are shown on the plans, no additional design review is required for the second units, even if they are constructed after completion of the primary dwelling. Similarly, the addition of a second unit to a property with a custom home does not require design review if the second unit was included in the approval of the primary dwelling. Administrative design review is required for second units that are added to a property that has had no previous approval for the second unit. The purpose of this review is to insure that the second unit meets all applicable development standards. No change is recommended for this requirement. Program 6.3 also suggests considering a reduction of the parking requirement for second units. Current regulations require, in addition to the two spaces required for the primary dwelling, one parking space to be provided on -site for the occupant of the second unit. On developed lots in existing neighborhoods, this parking requirement is frequently a constraint to the addition of a second unit. Since parking is not allowed in the front yard setback area or in a street - facing side yard, it can be challenging to wedge in an additional parking space on a fully developed residential property. Although relaxation of the parking requirement may facilitate the development of second units in developed neighborhoods, it might also compromise neighborhood character through the proliferation of cars parked within the front yard setback area. For this reason, reduction of the parking requirement is not recommended. OUTREACH AND PUBLIC NOTICE A notice regarding the proposed code amendment and related Planning Commission public hearing were published in The Valley Times on Aug 3, 2013. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Pursuant to California Public Resource Code Section 21080.17, the adoption of an ordinance regarding second units to implement the provisions of California Government Code Sections 65852.1 and 65852.2, is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. CONCLUSION The proposed text amendment will facilitate the development of second units by allowing an exception to the height limit so that a second unit may be constructed on top Case No. P13 -2097, City of Pleasanton Planning Commission Page 3 of 4